When your skin feels congested, dull, or uneven, a new moisturizer rarely fixes it. If breakouts, dark spots, or rough texture keep coming back, a chemical peel in Newport Beach can give your skin a more focused reset than anything you can do at home.
At Beyond Restore, we offer two medical-grade peel lines: ZO® Skin Health peels and VI Peel. In this guide, we explain how they work, how they compare, what your visit and healing look like, and who should wait, so you know what to expect before you book.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a professional exfoliating treatment. We apply a blend of acids to loosen and remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, so the skin that comes through looks clearer, brighter, and smoother. Our ZO® and VI Peel treatments are medical-grade, which means they are stronger than over-the-counter peels, and a trained provider applies them in our office.
What Can a Chemical Peel Treat?
- Acne and acne scarring
- Clogged pores and blackheads
- Sun damage and age spots
- Hyperpigmentation and melasma
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Fine lines and early signs of aging
Peels are not the right tool for every concern. Deeper wrinkles, loose skin, and volume loss respond better to other treatments, and we’ll tell you so at your consultation.
Our Peels: ZO® and VI Peel
ZO® Skin Health peels
ZO® peels were developed by dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi. They use professional-strength exfoliating acids, including salicylic acid, lactic acid, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). The acids loosen the bonds between dead skin cells, your skin sheds those cells over the following days, and newer skin is revealed underneath. We adjust the strength to your skin: a lighter ZO® peel may cause only minor flaking, while a stronger one leads to more noticeable peeling.
VI Peel
VI Peel is a professional peel made by VI Aesthetics. Its blend includes TCA, Retin-A (tretinoin), salicylic acid, phenol, and vitamin C. The manufacturer describes it as a medium-depth peel meant to be applied only in the office by a trained provider.
VI Aesthetics makes six VI Peel formulas, five for the face and one for the body. According to the manufacturer, they target concerns such as pigmentation, melasma, and dark marks left after breakouts; active acne and oily, congested skin; signs of aging such as fine lines and rough texture; and, on the body, discoloration, body acne, keratosis pilaris, stretch marks, and scars. We choose the formula that fits your skin at your consultation.
VI Aesthetics states that VI Peel is safe and effective for all skin tones. We still assess every client’s skin and history first, because any peel can cause irritation or dark marks in some people.
How ZO® and VI Peel compare
| ZO® peels | VI Peel | |
|---|---|---|
| Common goals | Acne, pigmentation, texture | Pigmentation, acne, signs of aging; one formula is made for the body |
| In-office time | About 30–45 minutes for the visit | About 20 minutes to apply |
| Right after | Skin may feel tight and look pink; no makeup for 24 hours | Solution stays on the skin; no products, including makeup and sunscreen, for the first 4 hours (per VI Aesthetics) |
| At home | Gentle moisturizer and sunscreen from your aftercare plan | A take-home kit with step-by-step instructions, post-peel towelettes, and aftercare products |
| Peeling | May start 2–3 days later and usually lasts up to 7 days, depending on strength | Flaking by about day 2, peeling around days 3–5, mostly finished by day 7 (per VI Aesthetics) |
| Sun and activity | Avoid direct sun, active skincare, and heat for 3–5 days | Avoid direct sun for 7 days and exercise for 72–96 hours (per VI Aesthetics) |
Which peel is right for you?
- A ZO® peel may suit you if you want a shorter aftercare routine and a strength we can adjust for a lighter or stronger result.
- VI Peel may suit you if you’re focused on pigmentation, acne, or early signs of aging and can follow a structured week of at-home care, or if your concern is on the body.
You don’t need to decide before you come in. We’ll recommend the peel and formula that fit your skin, and we’ll tell you if neither is the right tool.
Benefits of a Chemical Peel
- A brighter look. Removing dull surface cells often leaves skin looking clearer and fresher once peeling settles.
- Clearer-looking skin. Exfoliating acids help dissolve oil and debris that build up in pores.
- A more even tone. Peels are a go-to option for dark spots, post-acne marks, and melasma, usually as part of a series.
- Smoother texture. A peel resurfaces rough or bumpy skin without gritty scrubs.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After
Before your peel
It starts with a consultation. We review your skin, history, medications, and goals, then choose your peel. Please tell us about everything you use on your face, including prescription products, and about any recent sun exposure or tanning. For a ZO® peel, you may be asked to avoid retinoids, exfoliating products, and sun exposure for 3 to 5 days beforehand. For a VI Peel, avoid direct sun beforehand. We’ll give you specific prep instructions when you book.
During your peel
Your provider cleanses and preps your skin, then applies the peel in layers, checking how your skin responds between them. You may feel mild tingling or warmth that fades quickly. Many clients describe a ZO® peel as a “spicy facial” rather than anything intense. Right after a VI Peel, the manufacturer notes, skin may look slightly flushed or tan.
After a ZO® peel
Your skin may feel tight and look pink. You go home with a personalized aftercare plan that includes a gentle moisturizer and sunscreen. Skip makeup for at least 24 hours, and once peeling is over, usually within 3 to 7 days, go back to gentle, non-comedogenic products. For the first 3 to 5 days, avoid direct sun, active skincare such as retinoids and acids, and heat such as saunas, and wear sunscreen every day.
After a VI Peel: the at-home process
A VI Peel continues at home with the take-home kit we give you. VI Aesthetics’ aftercare guidance includes:
- First 4 hours: Put nothing on your skin, including makeup and sunscreen. Because you can’t use sunscreen in this window, we suggest planning to stay out of the sun for the rest of the day.
- Hours 4 to 48: Start the kit’s steps at the 4-hour mark with the first post-peel towelette, and use all the towelettes within 48 hours. Makeup is fine once the 4-hour steps are done.
- Peeling week: Use only your kit products. Cleanse gently with cool water and your fingertips, then apply the repair cream and SPF 50. A first VI Peel can peel longer, and body peels usually start peeling around days 5 to 7.
- Activity: Avoid swimming for 7 to 10 days and LED light for 7 days. If you’re prone to dark marks or have melasma, the manufacturer suggests avoiding exercise and heat for the whole 7-day peeling period.
Some itching, dryness, stinging from the repair cream, or a temporary breakout can happen while you peel.
With either peel
Don’t pick or pull at flaking skin, because that raises the chance of marks and irritation. If skin is hanging after a VI Peel, the manufacturer suggests trimming it with clean, small cuticle scissors.
Risks to know about
Every peel has risks. Temporary redness, dryness, stinging, and peeling are common. Less often, a peel can cause irritation, a cold sore flare-up, infection, scarring, or a lasting change in skin color, including dark patches (hyperpigmentation). VI Aesthetics notes that heat and exercise too soon after a VI Peel can lead to blistering or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Following your aftercare plan, especially staying out of the sun and avoiding heat, lowers these risks. Call us if your skin looks or feels unusual in a way you didn’t expect.
Results Timeline
- Within about a week: Skin often feels smoother and looks brighter once peeling settles.
- 1 to 2 weeks: Many clients notice fewer breakouts and a smoother tone and texture.
- Over the following weeks: Skin continues to settle and improve.
Many clients schedule peels every 4 to 6 weeks as a series, and others do well with quarterly maintenance. Results vary from person to person, and your provider will build a plan around your goals.
Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?
A chemical peel may be a good fit if you have acne, pigmentation, or an uneven tone, want smoother texture without a long recovery, and are ready to follow an aftercare plan, including daily sunscreen.
Who should wait or may need a different treatment
A peel may not be recommended if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have taken oral isotretinoin (Accutane) recently. VI Aesthetics lists use within the past 6 months as a reason not to have a VI Peel.
- Are allergic to aspirin, hydroquinone, or phenol (VI Peel contraindications listed by the manufacturer)
- Have an active cold sore, warts, an open wound, or an infection in the treatment area, or a history of cold sores (herpes simplex). VI Aesthetics lists active cold sores and a history of herpes simplex among its contraindications; for ZO® peels, we may suggest preventive steps first.
- Have had chemotherapy or radiation within the past 6 months, or have an autoimmune condition such as lupus, liver disease, or another condition that weakens the immune system (VI Peel contraindications listed by the manufacturer)
- Have highly sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema, or another active skin condition, such as a rash or sunburn, in the treatment area. VI Aesthetics says VI Peel is typically not recommended for people with eczema.
- Have had recent significant sun exposure or tanning
Why Fall and Winter Are a Popular Time for Peels
Because healing skin needs protection from the sun, many people schedule peels in fall and winter, when it’s easier to limit sun exposure. A series started now can be well underway before spring and summer.
Chemical Peels vs. Other Skin Treatments
Because we offer peels, facials, microneedling, and energy-based treatments in one practice, we can match the treatment to your concern.
| Concern | Often a better fit |
|---|---|
| Acne, pigmentation, rough texture | Chemical peel (ZO® or VI Peel) |
| Congestion, dullness, or dehydration | Hydrafacial® |
| Texture and acne scarring | Microneedling |
| Skin tightening and laxity | Morpheus8® |
How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost in Newport Beach?
The cost depends on the peel we recommend and whether you’re starting a series. We’ll walk you through what’s included and what it costs before you decide anything.
If a peel is part of a larger skin or aesthetic plan, we offer financing through PatientFi, CareCredit, and Cherry to help fit care into your budget.
Why Clients Choose Beyond Restore for Chemical Peels
- Two medical-grade peel lines. With ZO® and VI Peel, we match the peel to your skin instead of using one option for everyone.
- Honest guidance. If a peel isn’t the right fit, we’ll tell you and point you toward what is.
- Everything under one roof. Skin care, injectables, energy devices, wellness, and surgical aesthetics live in one practice, so your plan can grow with you.
- Care close to home. We welcome clients from Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and across Orange County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my skin actually peel?
Not always, and that’s okay. How much you shed depends on the peel and its strength, and some people see little visible peeling. VI Aesthetics notes that a VI Peel is still exfoliating even when you can’t see peeling.
What’s the difference between a ZO® peel and a VI Peel?
Both are medical-grade peels for acne, pigmentation, and texture. The main practical difference is what happens after you leave: a ZO® peel comes with a simple moisturizer-and-sunscreen plan, while a VI Peel stays on your skin for the first few hours and comes with a week of at-home steps. See the comparison table above for details.
What if I miss a step in my VI Peel kit?
Don’t worry; it doesn’t ruin the peel. VI Aesthetics says that if you miss the first towelette at the 4-hour mark, you can apply it that night and move the night-one step to the next morning. The goal is to use all of the towelettes within 48 hours. Call us if you’re unsure.
Does a chemical peel hurt?
Most clients feel mild tingling or warmth during the application that fades quickly. While skin peels, some itching or dryness is common. VI Aesthetics suggests a thin layer of the repair cream from your kit for itching, and we can advise if it isn’t enough.
Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?
Yes, after a short wait. After a ZO® peel, wait at least 24 hours. After a VI Peel, wait until you’ve finished the 4-hour steps in your kit. In both cases, choose gentle, non-comedogenic products and keep up your sunscreen.
How often should I get a chemical peel?
It depends on your goals and the peel. For VI Peel, the manufacturer generally recommends a series of 3 to 6 peels spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, and says quarterly peels can work for maintenance. We’ll build a schedule for you.
Are chemical peels safe for darker skin tones?
Peels can be used on many skin tones, but the choice of peel, formula, and strength matters, because some skin is more likely to develop dark marks after irritation. VI Aesthetics states that VI Peel is safe and effective for all skin tones. We plan your peel and aftercare to limit that risk.
What should I do if my skin reacts in a way I didn’t expect?
Call us. Stinging, itching, and dryness are common while you peel, but blistering, signs of infection, a cold sore, or dark patches need a provider’s attention. Don’t treat it with new products on your own.
Who shouldn’t get a chemical peel?
See the list above. The most common reasons to wait are pregnancy or breastfeeding, recent isotretinoin, an active cold sore or skin condition, and recent sun exposure or tanning. Bring a list of your medications and skincare to your consultation so we can check.
Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments?
Yes. Peels can be combined with facials, microneedling, and LED therapy, but timing matters. After a VI Peel, for example, the manufacturer advises waiting 7 days before LED light and about 4 weeks before most other treatments, such as facials, waxing, or IPL.
Book Your Chemical Peel Consultation in Newport Beach
The easiest way to start is a conversation. We’ll look at your skin, help you choose between ZO® and VI Peel, and build a plan that fits your schedule, with no pressure to decide on the spot.
Beyond Restore Wellness & Aesthetics
1501 Westcliff Dr #303, Newport Beach, CA 92660
- Call: 949-503-9621
- Text: 949-356-7333 (text only)
- Hours: Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–4 PM
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Individual results vary, and every treatment carries considerations unique to your skin and health history. A consultation with a qualified provider is required to determine whether a chemical peel is right for you.